On February 17, 2025, Dr. Hall, serving as the Session Chair, engaged in a discussion with five experts on Pioneering Innovations for Mental Health in Asia to address mental health challenges in Asia.
On February 18, Dr. Hall, as a digital mental health expert, led a specialized workshop on Co-Creation and Cultural Adaptation for Digital Mental Health Interventions alongside team members Millet and Yijia, with the participation of 60 experts. The workshop highlighted the critical role of community engagement, co-creation, and cultural adaptation in digital mental health interventions. Participants actively engaged in group discussions, sharing both challenges and opportunities encountered in community engagement and co-creation processes, as well as exchanging their experiences and insights.
Millet and Dr. Hall showcased their innovative research in digital mental health, including the Step-by-Step project implemented in China and culturally adapted interventions for Filipino communities. Their presentation underscored the importance of tailoring mental health solutions to local cultural contexts to ensure accessibility, relevance, and effectiveness.
Mental health is increasingly recognized as an essential component of overall well-being. However, in many parts of Asia, awareness, support systems, and resources for mental health remain limited. Bridging these gaps can have a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities.
At the GMH Asia 2025 conference, the focus was on key mental health priorities in the region, analyzing current needs, identifying gaps in mental health services, and exploring existing barriers and implementation challenges. The event served as a platform for sharing best practices and key recommendations, fostering collective efforts to advance the field of mental health.